Well, the nannies, busybodies, buttinskis and political correctness police have oozed their way down the Boulder turnpike and are apparently ready to “fix” the 16th Street Mall.

Aside from the dubious “secondhand smoke” argument, the residue of smokers — butts and filters — is now being called a problem. Excuse me, but don’t the sidewalks need to be swept? Surely smokers’ debris sweeps up as easily as the other detritus of human activity.

I have never smoked, but it is an addiction. Addicts really can’t help it. If smokers can’t smoke outside, such as on the 16th Street Mall, where will they smoke? Isn’t there some room for compassion here?

J. Bruce Laubach, Highlands Ranch

This letter was published in the Nov. 5 edition.

Cigarette smoking is the No. 1 cause of preventable disease and death worldwide. As pediatricians, we frequently witness the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke exposure on children who seek care at our clinics and hospitals. These effects include the increased risk for ear infections, respiratory infections, and asthma.

The 16th Street Mall is one of the top destinations for those visiting metropolitan Denver. The current policy, allowing smoking on the mall, presents a significant health risk to our children and community. Imagine your family trying to enjoy Denver’s outdoor shopping experience, only to be surrounded by a cloud of cigarette smoke. This scenario does not fit with a state that claims to be one of the healthiest in the country.

We need to embrace a smoking ban at the 16th Street Mall to protect and improve the health of our children and our community.

Megan C. Brown, M.D., Denver

Sarah L. Pinney, M.D., Denver

Colin J. Sallee, M.D., Denver

This letter was published in the Nov. 5 edition.

Smoker and mall employee Raymond Minton says he would feel like a “second-class” citizen if smoking is banned on the 16th Street Mall. A first-class citizen has a selfless attitude, which should include not harming or causing discomfort to others.

James Brom, Castle Rock

This letter was published in the Nov. 5 edition.

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